Sltr-haris Type III physeal fx upper end of left tibia, init

This code signifies a specific growth plate injury affecting the upper part of the left shin bone (tibia) in a child or adolescent. A Salter-Harris Type III fracture involves a break that extends through the growth plate and into the joint surface, indicating a more severe injury with potential for growth disturbance and articular involvement.

This code is appropriate for the initial treatment encounter of a patient diagnosed with this specific fracture type, where the fracture has not broken through the skin (closed). It would be used when the patient first presents for evaluation and management of the injury, such as in an emergency department or orthopedic clinic.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left tibia" and "upper end" to support this laterality and location.
• Verify the fracture is explicitly documented as "Salter-Harris Type III" and "closed."
• Confirm this is the patient's initial encounter for this specific fracture to justify the "A" seventh character.